Preview Day at the Bloomsburg Fair

BLOOMSBURG — It is finally time for the 158th annual Bloomsburg Fair. The event in Columbia County is the largest fair in Pennsylvania.

The gates are open, and the vendors are cooking. People are ready for the fair.

“I love the food and everything else. I just had a Hewlett’s hot sausage sandwich and it was all good,” said Kelly Bensinger.

“We always look forward to get out to walk around and enjoy the different entertainments around,” said Gail Thomas.

Before the fair officially opens, this preview day gives people an affordable sneak peek at all the action. Admission is free before 2 p.m. and $3 after that.

“Because you don’t have to pay to get in, we save some money that way. We came mainly to eat,” said Dave Weller.

Preview day is also less crowded.

“It is nice walking around without being shoulder to shoulder people. I agree with that,” said Randy Welch.

Preview day is sort-of a practice day for the vendors. Even though the fair is open, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done behind the scenes.

“You’re just trying to get ready, still getting ready, and people are coming and ordering food. It’s a tough day, one of the toughest days of the year for us. It keeps us busy,” said Mark Strous of Gunzy’s Hot Sausage.

The food is the reason many people come to the Bloomsburg Fair.

“Oh, we just fill up on everything! Funnel cakes, sausage sandwiches, everything,” said Ellen Shade.

The Bloomsburg Fair runs through next Saturday. It costs $8 to get in.